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Hunger Strike – Day 24: Call Governor, Rally and 24-Hour Fast in Support of Strikers

NOTE BY NORSE: The hunger strike by prisoners state-wide has reportedly been joined by our local jail internees. We don’t have stats on how many in jail are being held under anti-homeless laws (or failure to appear for anti-homeless harassment charges) nor for the drug war. But I suspect the number is sizable. It is clear that 5 prisoners have died in custody in the last year, with the medical “services” privatized last year. I encourage folks to support this action however they can–by phone, by e-mail, by flyering (at the Farmer’s Market in Santa Cruz today 2 PM-5 PM) and direct protest and vigilling (6:30 PM at the Town Clock in Santa Cruz). There’s also more interest on the issue–nationally symbolized by Trayvon Martin–at https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2013/07/27/18740511.php .
A formerly homeless local man, Warren West, will be on Free Radio Santa Cruz speaking on his experiences in jail locally (the stream only at http://tunein.com/radio/FRSC-s47254/as we’re still not broadcasting, archived at

Today is Day 24 of the hunger strike, and CDCR continues to retaliate against people participating in this peaceful protest while refusing to negotiate. It is important that we continue to show our support & keep the pressure on Gov. Brown and the CDCR!

On July 22, Billy “Guero” Sell, a prisoner held in solitary confinement at Corcoran State Prison and a participant in the 3-week-long hunger strike that has shaken the California prison system, passedaway. Sell’s death is being ruled a suicide by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Other people locked up on Sell’s unit reported that Sell had been requesting medical attention for several days prior to his death. Attorneys received numerous reports of medical neglect of the health needs of the strikers, and these reports have generated an outcry from the medical community. Over 100 health care providers have signed onto a letter denouncing the CDCR’s failure to provide appropriate medical care to the strikers.At least 600 strikers are still committed to continuing the action until California Governor Jerry Brown and the California Department of Corrections take decisive action to meet their demands.Over 5,000 people have signed the petition to Governor Brown. Now we need CALLS to push Governor Brown to act on the strikers’ behalf.

JOIN US and USE YOUR POLITICAL POWER!

1) Call Governor Jerry BrownPhone: (916) 445-2841Suggested script: I’m calling in support of the prison hunger strikers. The governor has the power tostop the torture of solitary confinement. I urge the governor to compel the CDCR to enter into negotiations to end the strike. 2) Support the Day Long Hunger Strike – today (Wednesday, July 31st) “Hunger for Justice” will have convenings throughout California. Fast in solidarity with the demands of the hunger strikers. And we fast to get justice for Trayvon and for people of every gender, race, and religion who have been killed by state and vigilante violence.